Top 2-Ingredient Bourbon Drinks You Must Try Today!

Bourbon is a quintessential American spirit, renowned for its rich flavors and versatility in cocktails. Among the myriad of bourbon-based drinks, the Gold Rush cocktail stands out as a refreshing summer favorite. This article delves into the world of bourbon cocktails, highlighting classic recipes, seasonal variations, and easy two-ingredient drinks. We will also explore mixers that complement bourbon beautifully, making it a perfect choice for any occasion.

Bourbon: The Perfect Ingredient for Cocktails

Bourbon is a type of whiskey that must be made from at least 51% corn and aged in new charred oak barrels. This aging process imparts distinct flavors of vanilla, caramel, and oak, creating a complex profile that enhances cocktails. Its smoothness and depth make bourbon an excellent base for various drinks, from classic cocktails to innovative mixes.

The Gold Rush Cocktail

The Gold Rush cocktail exemplifies the beauty of simplicity in mixology. It combines bourbon with honey and lemon juice, shaken over ice to create a refreshing drink that is both sweet and tangy.

Just Three Simple Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons honey: Provides natural sweetness.
• 2 tablespoons boiling water: Used to dissolve the honey into syrup.
• 1/2 cup bourbon (4 ounces): The star of the cocktail.
• 1 1/2 lemons, juiced (about 4 tablespoons or 2 ounces): Adds acidity and brightness.

Nutritional Info (per serving)

• Calories: Approximately 200
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Sugars: 20g

Instructions

         Make Honey Syrup:

1. • Pour honey into a small jar or mixing bowl.
   • Add boiling water and whisk until it forms a thin syrup.Combine Ingredients:

1. • Whisk in bourbon and lemon juice.
   • Refrigerate until ready to serve.
     

     Shake and Serve:

1. • Shake vigorously with ice in a cocktail shaker.
   • Strain over a big ice cube in two rocks glasses.

The Gold Rush cocktail is not only easy to prepare but also allows for customization based on personal taste preferences. Adjust the sweetness or acidity by modifying the amount of honey or lemon juice.

Classic Bourbon Cocktails

Bourbon serves as the foundation for numerous classic cocktails that have stood the test of time. Here are some must-try recipes:

Whiskey Highball

Ingredients

• 2 ounces bourbon
• Soda water
• Ice

Tools

• Highball glass
• Stirrer

Steps

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in bourbon.
3. Top with soda water and stir gently.

   

Classic Old Fashioned

Ingredients

• 2 ounces bourbon
• 1 sugar cube
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Orange slice (for garnish)

Tools

• Old fashioned glass
• Muddler

Steps

1. Muddle sugar cube with bitters and a splash of water in an old fashioned glass.
2. Fill glass with ice and add bourbon.
3. Stir gently and garnish with an orange slice.

Kentucky Mule

Ingredients

• 2 ounces bourbon
• 4 ounces ginger beer
• Juice of half a lime

Tools

• Copper mug

Steps

1. Fill a copper mug with ice.
2. Add bourbon and ginger beer.
3. Squeeze lime juice over the top and stir gently.

Bourbon Manhattan

Ingredients

• 2 ounces bourbon
• 1 ounce sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

Tools

• Mixing glass
• Strainer

Steps

1. Combine ingredients in a mixing glass filled with ice.
2. Stir until well chilled.
3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a cherry.

Seasonal Bourbon Drinks

Bourbon can also shine in seasonal cocktails that highlight fresh ingredients or seasonal flavors.

Bourbon Apple Cider

Ingredients

• 2 ounces bourbon
• 4 ounces apple cider
• Cinnamon stick (for garnish)

Tools

• Mug or glass

Steps

1. Heat apple cider in a saucepan until warm.
2. Pour bourbon into a mug and top with warm apple cider.
3. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Bourbon Sour

Ingredients

• 2 ounces bourbon
• 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 ounce simple syrup

Tools

• Cocktail shaker

Steps

1. Combine all ingredients in a shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake well and strain into an ice-filled rocks glass.

Cold Brew Bourbon Cocktail

Ingredients

• 2 ounces bourbon
• 4 ounces cold brew coffee
• Simple syrup to taste

Tools

• Glass

Steps

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Add bourbon and cold brew coffee.
3. Stir in simple syrup to taste.

Complex Bourbon Cocktails

For those looking to explore more intricate flavors, these complex cocktails will impress even seasoned drinkers.

Blackberry Bourbon Smash

Ingredients

• 5 blackberries (fresh)
• 2 ounces bourbon
• 1 ounce simple syrup
• Mint leaves (for garnish)

Tools

• Cocktail shaker

Steps

1. Muddle blackberries in a shaker.
2. Add bourbon, simple syrup, and ice; shake well.
3. Strain into an ice-filled glass and garnish with mint leaves.

Boulevardier Cocktail

Ingredients

• 1 ounce bourbon
• 1 ounce sweet vermouth
• 1 ounce Campari

Tools

• Mixing glass

Steps

1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass filled with ice.
2. Stir until well chilled.
3. Strain into a chilled coupe glass.

3-Ingredient Bourbon Cocktails

If you’re looking for quick and easy options, here are some delightful three-ingredient cocktails featuring bourbon:

Gold Rush Cocktail (Revisited)

As detailed earlier, this refreshing drink combines honey syrup, lemon juice, and bourbon for an easy yet flavorful experience.

Mint Julep

Ingredients

• Fresh mint leaves
• 2 ounces bourbon
• Simple syrup

Steps

1. Muddle mint leaves with simple syrup in a cup or glass.
2. Fill the cup with crushed ice and pour over the bourbon.
3. Stir gently to combine.

Easy Two-Ingredient Bourbon Drinks

For those who prefer simplicity, here are some easy two-component cocktails you can whip up at home:

Bourbon Lemonade

Combine equal parts of bourbon and fresh lemonade over ice for a refreshing summer drink.

Ginger Ale & Bourbon

Mix bourbon with ginger ale over ice for an effortless yet satisfying cocktail.

Additional Resources

For those looking to dive deeper into the world of bourbon cocktails:

Start Mixing Today!

Experimenting with different mixers can lead to discovering your new favorite drink combination! Here are some recommended bourbons:Top Bourbons for Mixing:

1. Buffalo Trace
2. Maker’s Mark
3. Woodford Reserve

These bourbons are known for their quality and flavor profiles that work well in cocktails.

FAQS : Top 2-Ingredient Bourbon Drinks

What Mixers Go Well With Bourbon?

Bourbon pairs wonderfully with various mixers that enhance its flavor profile:

What types of soda can be used to make bourbon drinks?

Ginger ale, ginger beer, soda water, cream soda, or Coca-Cola are popular choices that complement the rich flavors of bourbon.

What types of juices can be used to make bourbon drinks?

Apple cider, cranberry juice, grapefruit juice, orange juice, or pineapple juice work beautifully when mixed with bourbon for delicious cocktails.

Are there any two-ingredient bourbon cocktails that can be made with simple syrup?

Yes! Cocktails like the Old Fashioned or Whiskey Sour can easily be made using simple syrup alongside your favorite bourbon.

Conclusion

Bourbon is more than just a spirit; it’s an essential ingredient that enhances cocktails across various styles—from classic concoctions like the Old Fashioned to refreshing summer drinks like the Gold Rush. With its deep flavors and versatility, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy this beloved whiskey.Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these recipes will elevate your cocktail game while showcasing the unique characteristics of bourbon. So grab your favorite bottle, mix up some delicious drinks, and toast to good times!